MS HB1144

Amends Mississippi Code Section 37-23-63 to clarify that exceptional children requiring inpatient care in private intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or psychiatric residential treatment facilities are eligible for both state and federal financial assistance.

Applies to children under 21 years old who are Mississippi residents, unable to pursue regular class work due to hearing, vision, speech, intellectual disability, or other mental or physical conditions, and not yet graduated from high school.

Requires that an approved private school operates as an integral part of the facility providing 24-hour monitoring, treatment, and education.

Federal financial assistance is available to the extent it is allowable and available under existing law.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.